Sick of Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤒
Add to dictionary

sick of

[sɪk ʌv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling tired or annoyed by something

Feeling sick of something means being tired, annoyed, or fed up with it. It can be used to express frustration or exhaustion towards a situation, person, or activity.

Synonyms

annoyed by, fed up with, tired of.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sick of

Used when someone has had enough of something and cannot tolerate it any longer; has a strong feeling of dislike or frustration.

  • I'm sick of the noise from the construction site.
  • She's sick of his constant complaints.
tired of

Used to express weariness or boredom from repeated exposure to something or someone; softer than 'sick of' and can sometimes be used in less serious contexts.

  • I'm tired of eating the same meal every day.
  • He's tired of hearing the same excuses.
fed up with

Used when someone has reached the limit of their patience with something or someone; implies a feeling of frustration and a desire for a change.

  • She's fed up with waiting for him to make a decision.
  • They're fed up with the never-ending delays.
annoyed by

Used when something or someone causes mild irritation or discomfort; generally a less intense feeling than 'sick of'.

  • I'm annoyed by the buzzing sound from the light fixture.
  • He was annoyed by the interruption during his meeting.

Examples of usage

  • I'm sick of this job, I need a change.
  • She's sick of all the drama in her life.
  • I'm sick of hearing the same excuses over and over again.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Language Usage

  • This phrase is commonly used in English to express annoyance or fatigue with a person, situation, or repetitive action.
  • In conversation, it often conveys an emotional response, illustrating personal feelings about an ongoing issue.
  • Synonyms like 'tired of' or 'weary of' can convey similar sentiments, though 'sick of' may carry a stronger emotional weight.

Cultural Context

  • The phrase gained popularity through various media, including music and films, reflecting everyday frustrations.
  • In social media, saying one is 'sick of' something can create a sense of community around shared feelings.

Psychology

  • Feeling 'sick of' a behavior or situation can signal a need for change or assertion of boundaries in a person's life.
  • Experiencing this emotion can sometimes lead to motivation for personal growth or change in beliefs.

Slang Evolution

  • 'Sick of' reflects a trend in modern slang where everyday frustrations are expressed more vividly, often emphasizing emotional intensity.
  • Youth culture has transformed this phrase into a common way to express fatigue with societal expectations or norms.

Literature

  • Authors often use this phrase to highlight character development or discontent in stories, making the feelings relatable.
  • In poetry, images of weariness and frustration are commonly expressed using this phrase to evoke a shared emotional state.

Origin of 'sick of'

The phrase 'sick of' originated in the late 19th century as a colloquial expression to convey a strong feeling of aversion or exhaustion towards something. Over time, it has become widely used in informal language to express frustration or annoyance.